Lions chasing crucial outright

By Todd Whelan

Darley Cricket Club

A seven-wicket haul from ageless Lions Captain Benny Longhurst, has put his chargers in the box seat for an all-important outright win over Buninyong ahead of Day two this Saturday.

The Lions were an aggressive unit with the ball from the outset after winning the toss and sending the hosts in. Just three bowlers were used to rout the lowly Buninyong, who struggled to build partnerships despite five of their top six batsmen making it to double figures.

Longhurst’s 16.1 overs yielded match-winning figures of 7/51, including four maidens as he and strike bowlers Madushanka Ekanayake (2/40) and Chamika Sattambi (1/41), played the support roles in what was essentially a ‘day out’ for the veteran leader.

While the Lions finals chances remain slim, the opportunity to secure an outright win this Saturday will do the pride no harm – in fact it’s a must.

Credit to the Lions top order in reply, not wasting time getting on with the chase despite their recent struggles. A mission, a chase for an outright, maybe just what the Lions were after as they comfortably overcame the hosts total just three wickets down and in good time prompting an immediate declaration.

Top order trio Dilon Chandima 41 (35), Axel Morton 47 (78) and Lachie Herring 40* (69) found their groove and will be the confidence building beneficiaries moving forward. “One step at a time”, was the phrase alluded to in last week’s column and the Lions have responded well with plenty more still to play out come day two.

Buninyong were 1/9 in their second innings at stumps. No surprise it was Longhurst (1/6) again who struck, making it eight scalps for the match to date.

This Saturday’s conclusion amounts for compelling viewing – the Lions season is riding on it.

RESULTS – (R11 – Day 1)
BCA 1st GRADE
Buninyong 134 & 1/9. B. Longhurst 7/51, M. Ekanayake 2/40.
Darley 3/136, Overs 38.5. A. Morton 47, D. Chandima 41, L. Herring 40*
Darley lead on first innings.

BCA 2nd GRADE
Darley 177. R. O’Brien 36, E. Thewma 34.
Brown Hill 0/11.
Darley lead by 166 runs.

BCA 3rd GRADE
Darley 173, Overs 73. J. Oorloff 61, M. Singh 22.
Coronet/Newlyn 0/6, Overs 4.
Darley lead by 167 runs.

BCA 4th GRADE – (R11)
Darley 9/183, Overs 40. B. Densley 90, J. Penny 30.
Brown Hill 1/186, Overs 27. A. Kannar 1/26.
Darley LOST by 9 wickets.

BCA 5th GRADE – (R11)
Golden Point 144, Overs 31.2. S. Apostolidis 3/26, K. Beck 2/23.
Darley 59, Overs 16.5. K. Semmens 18, Dar. Hynes 11.
Darley LOST by 85 runs.